Re: windows needed
 

no im all woman lol well last time i looked lol,,,

it had copied windows on when brought the pc for my daughter now its saying needs a code? thats why i dont understand i was told it was proper windows?;)

Re: windows needed
 

If you can still get into windows then use a program or dive into the registry and get your code.

If its coming up as this windows version needs to be activated etc ( xp ) or not Genuine, then id say you havent got a legal copy of windows.

Re: windows needed
 

Where did you buy the pc from and also have you changed anything on it i.e have you put more memory in or changed any hardware? just asking because windows doesnt like too many hardware changes and if you bought this from a shop then your product code will be on a sticker that should be stuck on the case of your computer somewhere.

Re: windows needed
 

Either that, or it will be on a sleve of a CD folder or some sort of liscense card.

Re: windows needed
 

Either that or you wont have a code at all and it would of come with what they call a restore disc. Some package bought PC's do it this way.

Re: windows needed
 

What version of Windows is installed on this pc..
Is it running XP or Vista?

Did you buy it from a shop or an individual?

Re: windows needed
 

As Paul suggested definately purchase an OEM verion its so much cheaper and genuine.

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/p...x1y0z1p0s0n0m0

Re: windows needed
 

Can I add that when I bought my pc I got it brand new with windows xp pre-installed onto the hard drive and a sticker on the side of my tower.

After about 2 years my tower needed replacing however my hard drive was fine so I had that installed in my new tower and had no trouble, however the shop could not take the sticker of 1st tower as it shredded on removal.

About 18 months later and I needed to format the hard drive then when I tried my windows I got a message that it is ot genuine, I contacted Microsoft who said they needed the serial num from the sticker explained all that about tower change, they then informed me that if I had applied for a disk within 30 days of purchase I could have got a cd for free however as 3 and half years had passed I was stuffed.

Windows wanted £69 for a new licence and they were nicely told to get stuffed. I know I bought a genuine copy, they knew as I had been getting updates for 3 and a half years but when I needed their help they just wanted more money, crazy greedy company but unfortunatley they rule the roost.

Re: windows needed
 

The prices there are interesting. I remember back in 2002 when I first bought XP I asked my then-gf to buy it for me as she was a full-time student and could get it on their offer so I went to the shop with her, gave her the money and she came out with it.

When I got home and set it all up, it didn't ask for any sort of verification of student status. Neither did the shop ask her for her NUS ID card.

So all in all I ended up coming away with a copy of XP pro for £60.

Re: windows needed
 

An interesting read here, re OEM versions of Windows:-

http://arstechnica.com/hardware/news/2007/01/8730.ars

Re: windows needed
 

I remember buying an operating disc think it was xp upgrade then as you gain experience and learn from others i could believe the difference in prices on OEM discs, think alot of people dont realise they are the exact discs as originals but of coarse come with no technical support, but you dont need that with operating discs anyway.